Protected Anyway

Protected Anyway

Genesis 26: ⁶ So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. ⁷ And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” ⁸ Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, ^[a]showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. ⁹ Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?”

 

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.’ ”

 

¹⁰ And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” ¹¹ So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

 

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Abimelech was older. He had the same conversation with Abraham about men lurking around his wife. Now Isaac was having the same problem. The men or Gerar wanted to take Rebekah. Traditionally they would kill the husband but leave the brother alive. I

 

My Observations:

• Isaac lied about Rebekah being his sister because he was afraid.
• Abimelech saw Isaac showing affection to Rebekah that was not like a brother.
• Abimelech saw through the lie and protected Rebekah despite the deception.

 

Isaac was put in a difficult spot. He wanted to find a solution to the famine so he went to the king. He was told not to go to Egypt, but Gerar was just as bad. He lied about his relationship to Rebekah, probably to keep her and him alive. Whatever the case, it was a lie.

 

Abimelech knew Isaac was related to Abraham. He may have remembered what happened when Sarah showed up. All the women became barren. He did not want something like that to happen again. He ordered every man to stay away from Rebekah. They were protected anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain this lie to Moses?
• Have you ever lied out of fear or insecurity?
• Can you begin your day with praising GOD for forgiving you of all your sins?

Blessings Passed Down

 

Blessings Passed Down

Genesis 25: ⁷ This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. ⁸ Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. ⁹ And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, ¹⁰ the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. ¹¹ And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.

 

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Abraham’s father, Terah, lived two hundred five years. His grandfather lived one hundred nineteen years. And his ancestor Seth lived five hundred years. Terah may have heard directly from Seth regarding the Garden of Eden and the flooding of the earth. Terah passed this information to Abraham who took it another step by believing everything GOD said. He passed this information on to Isaac.

 

My Observations:

• Ismael must have gotten word that his father, Abraham, died.
• Ismael worked with Isaac to bury their father.
• Isaac grew up listening to Abraham and heard about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

Hearing about the miracles of GOD seemed to place a fire in the heart of those who could receive it. This fire guided each person’s actions. GOD promised that Abraham would be the father of many nations and he lived his entire life as the chosen one.

 

Isaac would now accept the responsibility of being the chosen one to give birth to nations. But what about Ismael. He too was blessed with forming nations. GOD’s blessings cascaded down to generations to follow. Abraham was buried in the same cave as Sarah. The deed was passed to Isaac.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention Abraham’s age so descriptively to Moses?
• Do you worry about age?
• If you measure your accomplishments, will you stop so you can focus on GOD’s blessed calling for you right now?

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

 

Prophecy Fulfilled. Comfort Provided.

Genesis 24: ⁶² Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. ⁶³ And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming. ⁶⁴ Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel; ⁶⁵ for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?”

 

The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.

⁶⁶ And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. ⁶⁷ Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

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Up to this point Isaac had not been mentioned much by himself. He was mentioned as the promised child in the context of Abraham. But this time Isaac is mentioned as an adult. He moved away from Abraham, but not far away. Abraham’s servant brought Rebekah to him while he was having his quiet time with the LORD. Rebekah asked “Who is this man?”

 

My Observations:

• Rebekah was probably filled with excitement that she was chosen by GOD to be the mother of many nations.
• Abraham’s servant was probably excited to tell the supernatural story to Isaac.
• Isaac was comforted by Rebekah’s presence and was probably renewed from being saddened over his mother’s death.

 

Sarah may have told Isaac that he was the one who would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Rebekah was told that she would fulfill GOD’s prophecy. Both had been told these things, but it wasn’t until they met that they may have said to themselves “This is really going to happen!”

 

Two people had their lives changed over a matter of a couple of weeks. Rebekah was not expecting to be married any time soon. Isaac knew he would be married, but was probably feeling a little down because he was not allowed to marry any of the women around him and did not know how he would fulfill the prophecy. GOD brought both of them love and comfort.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD turn to speaking about Isaac when describing things to Moses?
• Have you ever been shocked when GOD comes through with a promise, HE made to you?
• Do you believe that GOD is willing to guide you by the COMFORTER today?

Abraham Buys Sarah’s Tomb

Abraham Buys Sarah’s Tomb

Genesis 23: ¹⁴ And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, ¹⁵ “My lord, listen to me; the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between you and me? So bury your dead.” ¹⁶ And Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out the silver for Ephron which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, currency of the merchants.

 

¹⁷ So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded ¹⁸ to Abraham as a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city.

 

¹⁹ And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. ²⁰ So the field and the cave that is in it were deeded to Abraham by the sons of Heth as property for a burial place.

 

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Ephron the Hittite was very wealthy and owned a field with a cave fit to bury a king. Abraham asked that he purchase the cave from Ephron, but Ephron insisted on giving it to Abraham. Knowing this “gift” would be forgotten, Abraham insisted on paying for the tomb.

 

My Observations:

• This is the first mention of record keeping such as a deed, so the Hittites were advanced.
• Abraham understood currency and was able to purchase Sarah’s tomb.
• Silver was the currency of choice since gold was rare and highly sought after as a part of the Garden of Eden.

 

Living amongst the Hittites may have been rewarding and challenging at the same time. This group of raiders were strong, which would probably keep Abrahm ready to fight at all times. But on the other hand, no outside raiders would dare to attack. This seemed like a suitable place to bury Sarah.

 

Abraham became rich in land through this purchase. He probably stationed guards around the land to keep people from squatting. He received a deed and buried Sarah in the tomb. He paid more for the land than CHRIST was offered for HIS life.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD go into detail about how much ‘Abraham paid for Sarah’s tomb and how he got a deed?
• Has anyone ever offered to pay for something for you, but you sensed it would be wise for you to pay for it yourself?
• What is GOD’s wisdom saying to you about dealing with someone who does not have your best interest in mind?

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

Genesis 23: Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. ² So Sarah died in Kirjath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.

 

³ Then Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, ⁴ “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”

 

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Thirty-seven years after Isaac was born, Sarah died in the land of Canaan. Abraham spoke to the descendants of Heth, son of Canaan, asking for a place to bury Sarah.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham mourned Sarah’s death.
• Abraham lived among people who did not believe in following GOD’s ways.
• Abraham had to humbly ask for a place to bury Sarah.

 

Living in a place that had people who did not follow beliefs in GOD seemed difficult, yet Abraham was able to do this with humility. He seemed like he did not try to change the people, rather live for GOD. He moved to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites without worry of being tainted away from GOD.

 

He was getting older and had learned that fighting was not the answer. He did not just gran the first place and bury Sarah, rather he asked for a place that could be recognized as her grace.  Abraham showed tremendous humility.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Abraham and the Sons of Heth?
• Have you ever felt like a foreigner in a group of people you may even be familiar with?
• Can you know and understand that GOD is with you even when you feel alone?

Delight as Promised

 Delight as Promised

Genesis 21: And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. ² For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. ³ And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac. ⁴ Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. ⁵ Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. ⁶ And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.” ⁷ She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”

 

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Abraham and Sarah were reunited. They settled in the land of the Philistines and all was well. Then the LORD removed the supernatural closing of Sarah’s womb, enabling her to have a child. HE did as HE said at the time HE said, one year later.

 

During this time, GOD wiped out Sodom and Gomorrah, causing Abraham and Sarah to move. HE also performed a miracle of closing and opening the wombs of the women associated with Abimelech.

 

My Observations:

• Sarah was delighted to finally become pregnant after decades of waiting on GOD.
• Sarah laughed out of joy that GOD kept HIS promise and probably that she was chosen.
• GOD.
• Sarah referred to Abraham in her statement of delight, perhaps feeling relieved that the prophecy was true and nothing was wrong with her.

 

After years of thinking “is something wrong with me?”, Sarah finally conceived the child she wanted. It seemed like everyone else was able to get pregnant, but Sarah remained barren. Her plan backfired, when she insisted that Abraham have a child by Hagar.

 

Now she was full of delight. Abraham circumcised Isaac, just as the LORD commanded him. Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born and Sarah was ninety.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Sarah’s reaction?
• Have you ever waited on GOD’s promise for a long time and thought HE would not keep HIS promise?
• When GOD makes a promise to you, are you faithful that HE will keep it, even if HIS timing is different than yours?

Trying to Pay for Wrong

Trying to Pay for Wrong

Genesis 20: ¹⁴ Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. ¹⁵ And Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” ¹⁶ Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked.

 

¹⁷ So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; ¹⁸ for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

 

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Havilah was a place that had gold and precious or rare stones on it. Adam and Eve could visit this place to see something different, but they may have thought nothing more than “wow, this is beautiful.” But when Satan caused them to fall, humans were taken out of the Garden of Eden. When the flood happened, the Garden was washed away. But precious stones remained and were scattered all over the earth.

 

People may have searched for these unique stones and metals because of their rarity. Abimelech had silver, a slightly more common metal, and he offered it to Abraham as a way of trade. He knew he had done something wrong, so he gave animals, people and silver.

 

My Observations:

• Silver was mentioned for the second time here, where the first mention was with Abraham.
• Currency seemed to have gotten started and trading people, animals and precious stones had become the norm.
• Abimelech thought he could pay for his wrong through his vast supply of people, animals, land, and precious stones.

 

Sarah remained untouched, but may have been in captivity for over a year. Living in the king’s house, she may have been treated well, but was not with Abraham. During that time, no woman in Gerar could have a child because of Sarah. GOD made all the women barren.  Abraham may have regularly tried to convince Abimelech to let Sarah go, but he may have refused.

 

But after a while he begged Abraham to take Sarah back. He paid, what he thought was, a heavy price for her to Abraham. A thousand pieces of silver for Sarah and only thirty was offered for JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Abimelech and Sarah?
• Have you ever done something wrong and thought you could pay GOD off by giving to a church or by sinning less?
• Have you considered that GOD owns everything you own and JESUS paid for your sins with HIS life?

Not Acting Like It

Not Acting Like It

Genesis 20: ⁸ So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. ⁹ And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” ¹⁰ Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?”

 

¹¹ And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. ¹² But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. ¹³ And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”

 

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After his encounter with GOD, Abimelech got up “early” in the morning, bringing “all” his servants with him to talk with the men. A town hall meeting was brought together to hear what GOD said to Abimelech. When everyone heard what was said, they became afraid. Abimelech was young and the king.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech heard from GOD that Abraham was a prophet and Sarah was protected by HIM.
• Abraham had not lied, in Egypt or in Gerar when he said Sarah was his sister.
• Abraham feared, by the actions of the people, that Sarah would be taken

 

It seemed that women were more desirable if they were married to someone. Kings would take the best for themselves and his henchmen would take the rest. This city seemed to be doing the same. They did not seem to fear GOD in any way.

 

Abraham finally came out with the truth about Sarah. Her father was Terah, Abraham’s father. But she had a different mother. He feared being killed because the men of that city acted like they would commit murder to take the wife, permanently. GOD intervened to protect Sarah.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abraham tells the truth about Sarah to Abimelech and not to the Pharoah of Egypt?
• Have you ever gone through so much that you realized the truth is the best way?
• Are you acting like you belong to CHRIST who is all knowing and all powerful?

Overcoming Difficulty

Overcoming Difficulty

Genesis 20: And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. ² Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah.

 

³ But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, “Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.”

 

⁴ But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, “Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? ⁵ Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.”

 

⁶ And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. ⁷ Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”

 

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Seeing Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed was probably too much for Abraham to bear. He did not know if Lot was alive or dead. All he knew was the area seemed cursed. He may have remembered GOD’s promise that the territory that was promised was far greater than originally imagined. He, Sarah and all of their employees left the area that GOD had appeared.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham had already gone north to Egypt and east from the land of the Chaldeans, so this time he went south.
• Sarah was so beautiful, that at almost ninety, Kings wanted her.
• Abraham told a half truth to the local king because he saw the practices of other kings and feared the worst would happen.

 

Imagine hearing GOD say “I will make you a great nation” and “Go from your father’s house to a place I will show you” but experiencing difficulty. Abraham’s wife was almost kidnapped in Egypt and when they returned to the land GOD showed him, it was too small. Lot left and got kidnapped. Abraham had to rescue him. Then the place that he rescued got destroyed by GOD.

 

Things were not looking like a promise. But Abraham believed. He left the land after seeing difficult times. Sarah had faith and traveled with him. Abraham told a half truth about his wife, causing her to almost be kidnapped again. GOD intervened.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Abraham, Sarah and Abimelech’s actions and conversations?
• Has GOD given you a vision and you have faced difficulty after difficulty?
• Can you place your trust in the LORD, knowing that each difficulty is accounted for in HIS plan to prosper you?

Switched Focus

Switched Focus

Genesis 18: ⁹ Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”

 

So he said, “Here, in the tent.”

 

¹⁰ And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”

 

(Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. ¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

 

¹³ And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

 

¹⁵ But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.

And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”

 

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Up to this point everything was about Abraham. GOD spoke to him directly and told him to leave his father’s house and go to a place where I will show you. Abraham immediately obeyed. GOD then spoke to Abraham a few more times. But this time was different. JESUS and the angels asked together, “Where is Sarah your wife/”

 

My Observations:

• Sarah had faith to go with Abraham to a place GOD told him to go, but she was not told by GOD.
• Sarah had faith to maintain the cattle and the property while Abraham went to rescue Lot and Sodom’s stuff.
• Sarah’s laughter was filled with mixed emotions possibly because up to this point it had been all about Abraham.

 

“Where is Sarah your wife” seems to be a question to Abraham that she should have been present at the dinner. GOD knew where she was physically. But why isn’t she here? Over the years, Abraham may have expressed “his” relationship with GOD, but did not express hers. Abraham had left out the most important component to the promise, namely his wife.

 

Sarah laughed inside herself when she overheard the news for herself. BUT GOD heard the laughter. I believe HE wasn’t scolding her when HE said “No, but you did laugh!”, rather HE was bringing her into the spotlight by speaking to both Abraham and Sarah. The focus was no longer only on Abraham, but on both of them. GOD would return "at the appointed time."

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD ask Abraham about Sarah’s laughter when providing this conversation to Moses?
• Have you ever felt left out of the promises of GOD while HE uses other people?
• Can you believe that GOD sees you and has a special part of HIS plan specifically for you?

Servant Leadership Spreads

Servant Leadership Spreads

Genesis 18: ⁶ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” ⁷ And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. ⁸ So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

 

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With excitement, Abraham ran into the tent to get her help in serving JESUS and the two angels. He was probably elated that GOD had come back, this time with angels. He enlisted the help of a young man to barbeque a young calf he chose. This must have taken hours.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s excitement led him to enlist his wife and a young man to cook a meal.
• Abraham gathered the best food he had to give to the LORD and the angels.
• Abraham acted as a waiter, setting the food before the LORD and the angels, standing there waiting on their needs.

 

Instead of telling people to bring him food, Abraham brought the food out and actively participated in the preparation of the meal. He probably did the washing of the feet himself as he promised earlier. Sarah and the young man probably could not help becoming excited after seeing Abraham’s face.

 

GOD had visited Abraham before, but only to deliver short messages. But this time seemed different. HE was willing to visit for hours. Everyone in the household could see who Abraham had conversations with over the years. This may have solidified their faith in GOD versus their faith in Abraham.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD use words like “hurried” and “quickly” and “hastened” when describing the event to Moses?
• Has GOD ever spoken to you and you got so excited that you wanted the help from others?
• Are you willing to spread your excitement about GOD to others today?

Renamed for Purpose

Renamed for Purpose

Genesis 17: ¹⁵ Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but ^[g]Sarah shall be her name. ¹⁶ And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”

 

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Continuing HIS conversation with Abraham, GOD turns the focus to Sarai. HE renamed her Sarah and said HE would “bless her.” Sarai was barren. She may have grown up by the ways of the Chaldeans, a nomadic group of raiders. She believed that people could be property and mistreated Hagar, her Egyptian slave.  She thought of a plan to fulfill GOD’s promise, possibly because of shame for being barren.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai was blessed by GOD from birth.
• Sarai had strong faith as she went through famine, almost being taken and battles without complaining.
• Sarai, like Abraham, wanted GOD to win, but took matters in her own hands.

 

Renaming Sarai to Sarah was significant. GOD specifically had a purpose for her. HE would eventually perform a miracle that would show people HE is in control of the human body and spirit. GOD would bless Sarah, “AND” give Abraham a son.

 

This blessing would touch Sarah on many levels. For ninety years she was barren, then GOD tells Abraham she would be “the mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”  Sarah would not only be a mother, but a mother of many races and people groups. GOD erased Abraham’s and Sarah’s past and gave them purpose for HIM. This required them to be new.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about changing Sarai’s name to Sarah?
• Have you ever felt like giving up on GOD’s purpose for you?
• Will you continue with strong faith in GOD’s purpose for you today?

It’s Your Fault

It’s Your Fault

Genesis 16: ⁵ Then Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be upon you! I gave my maid into your embrace; and when she saw that she had conceived, I became despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between you and me.”

 

⁶ So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence.

 

 

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Months after becoming pregnant, Hagar and Sarai did not get along. Sarai’s plan to fulfill GOD’s prophecy fell apart quickly. Now she had a mess on her hands. She stormed into Abram basically saying “It’s your fault!”  Abram, not wanting to be in the middle of the mess, said “you deal with it as you please.” Sarai was so harsh that she drove Hagar away.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai seemed to feel insecure about Abram’s promise from the LORD.
• Sarai may have gotten frustrated with people, knowing deep down that she may be the problem.
• Sarai took out her frustrations on Hagar.

 

Seeing Hagar pregnant every day was a reminder that something is wrong to Sarai. How was this promise going to come to fruition, Sarai must have thought. Jealousy, rage and insecurity may have caused Sarai to behave as she did. She was even frustrated with Abram, who went along with a terrible plan.

 

How in the world could GOD clean up this mess? GOD does not react. HE knew this mess would come and accounted for it. Sarai did not know what GOD could do. Same with you and me. We may get frustrated with our current situation, not knowing what GOD has in store. Sarai was frustrated and now Hagar felt persecuted. GOD was needed.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include the detail of Sarai’s blame of Abram to Moses?
• Have you ever gotten yourself in a mess and wanted to blame other people?
• If it is easy for you to blame other’s for your lack of relationship with GOD, will you ask HIM for more accountability today?

Insecure Plan

Insecure Plan

Genesis 16: Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. ² So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. ³ Then Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. ⁴ So he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress became despised in her eyes.

 

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Abram seemed to have a close relationship with Sarai, his wife. He told her everything the LORD said to him. She may have seen his face light up as he talked about having so many descendants, humans could not count them. But they tried and tried and could not have children. Sarai may have felt terrible, so she thought up a plan.

 

My Observations:

• Sarai may have acquired Hagar after the LORD caused a drought in the original land, sending them to Egypt.
• Sarai’s Chaldean beliefs may have differed from Abram.
• Sarai came up with a plan based on her insecurities.

 

Hearing the stories about Shem, Abram’s ancestor, may have seemed like a fairytale to Sarai. Possibly raised as a Chaldean, people were also property in Sarai’s eyes. She could simply take the child because Hagar was considered her property. When her plan worked and the child was born, it made her feel worse, knowing she was barren versus Abram being infertile.

 

Sarai’s insecure plan would prove to be very difficult. Later we will see just how problematic this decision was. Sarai’s plan is not much different than yours or mine when we take matters in our own hands. She may have even sprinkled GOD in her plan, thinking it was HIS fault for causing the drought that sent them to Egypt, almost causing her to be taken by the Egyptians. The plan may have been caused by pain. BUT GOD knew about the plan.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention Sarai and Hagar to Moses?
• Have you ever heard a promise from GOD and tried to steer the outcome with your own plan?
• Is your relationship with GOD secure enough to allow HIM to do things HIS way and in HIS time?

Looking for What’s Necessary

Looking for What’s Necessary

Genesis 13: Then Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, to the South. ² Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. ³ And he went on his journey from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, ⁴ to the place of the altar which he had made there at first. And there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

 

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After months or years from being gone, Abram along with, Sarai, Lot and all the people who followed them, left Egypt and went back to the land GOD showed him. GOD informs Moses that Abram was “very rich.” Abram was given a lot of livestock by the Egyptians and he added it to his already vast empire.

 

Some of the Egyptians may have revered Abram and Sarai as gods because of the strange plagues that fell on them when seeking her. They dared not touch them, but sent them on their way. When Abram returned to the land, he “called on the name of the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

Abram was rich and powerful, yet he did not consider his status as acceptable.

Abram had all he wanted, but something was still missing.

Abram sought after the LORD, knowing HE was the answer to his heart’s desires.

 

After all the distractions were over, Abram seemed to be able to relax and call on the name of the LORD. His fears may have subsided as they settled in to the land GOD showed him. While he had a great number of possessions, he did not seem like the possessions had him. Something was missing. GOD.

 

He had been through famine, faltering with family, and falling to fear. None of his possessions could heal his hurt heart. He knew what he needed to look for. He sought the LORD as he had done in the past. Only the LORD could guide him.

 

Challenge

Why do you think GOD told Moses about Abram’s wealth?

Have you ever had more than enough and still called to GOD for direction?

Do you call on the name of the LORD for direction and also just to be with HIM?

Because of Her

Because of Her

Genesis 12: ¹⁴ So it was, when Abram came into Egypt, that the Egyptians saw the woman, that she was very beautiful. ¹⁵ The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house. ¹⁶ He treated Abram well for her sake. He had sheep, oxen, male donkeys, male and female servants, female donkeys, and camels.

 

¹⁷ But the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. ¹⁸ And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife? ¹⁹ Why did you say, ‘She is my sister’? I might have taken her as my wife. Now therefore, here is your wife; take her and go your way.” ²⁰ So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they sent him away, with his wife and all that he had.

 

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Nervously planning, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie and say she was his sister. GOD had caused a famine in the land HE promised to Abram, forcing them to seek food in Egypt. But when they got there, the Egyptians did as Abram suspected. They took Sarai to Pharaoh’s house. He treated Abram well, probably trying to win her heart.

 

My Observations:

• GOD protected Sarai from Abram’s broken plan.
• GOD protected Sarai from the Egyptians.
• GOD had a special plan for Sarai and wanted her preserved.

 

Pharaoh may have given Abram luxuries of the day because of Sarai. BUT GOD intervened. HE plagued Pharaoh and his house with extraordinary plagues that people could not say were coincidences. Maybe everyone who tried to bring Sarai to Pharaoh, fell deathly ill or perhaps the same plagues Moses would perform, happened to this Pharaoh. Whatever the case, GOD protected Sarai despite Abram’s broken plan.

 

GOD is multifaceted. While he was protecting Sarai, HE was starting to tear down a kingdom that enslaved people. Because of the plagues, Pharaoh sent Abram, Sarai and all their people and all their stuff away. This was a precursor to Moses.

 

Challenge

• How do you think Moses felt when hearing about Abram and Sarai’s encounter with Pharaoh?
• How has GOD protected you in the past?
• Have you thought about GOD’s plan for you and how HE wants to make sure the plan goes as HE expects by protecting you?

Forced Introduction

Forced Introduction

Genesis 12: ¹⁰ Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land. ¹¹ And it came to pass, when he was close to entering Egypt, that he said to Sarai his wife, “Indeed I know that you are a woman of beautiful countenance. ¹² Therefore it will happen, when the Egyptians see you, that they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me, but they will let you live. ¹³ Please say you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that I may live because of you.”

 

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Abram, his wife Sarai, Lot and all the people who joined them, settled down in the land GOD showed them. But HE caused a great famine. This was no ordinary famine, but one in which nothing would grow for a long time. Something had to be done. Food was getting scarce for humans and animals.

 

Abram was forced to leave the land and go to a neighboring area, namely Egypt. Fear stricken, Abram asked his wife, Sarai, to lie. She agreed.

 

My Observations:

• Abram would have never left the land unless a difficult situation happened.
• GOD may have wanted to introduce the Egyptians to Abram as a precursor to Moses.
• Abram, while faithful, had fears, doubts and worries.

 

Looking back on people in the Bible makes me think they were invincible. But Abram was scared for his life. This is the first time we see him develop a plan that goes outside of GOD’s way of doing things. And it won’t be the last. Abram had a reason to be scared.

 

The Egyptian Pharaohs were possibly notorious for taking the best women for themselves. Abram wanted to stay alive and risked his marriage by asking his wife, Sarai, to say she was his sister. They were now in a predicament that they would not have chosen. They never said “If it wasn’t for the famine, we wouldn’t be in this situation.” They went forward in GOD’s promise.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about Abram’s introduction to the Egyptians?
• Have you ever been put in a situation that you would not have chosen, only to find out it was part of GOD’s plan when you look back on it?
• Can you see that some of your difficulties are accounted for in GOD’s plan for you?

Facing Fear with Faith

Facing Fear with Faith

Genesis 12: ⁴ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. ⁵ Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. ⁶ Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land.

 

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For some reason, GOD mentions age again. Abram’s ancestors lived much longer than his generation. At the same age Terah, his father, birthed him, Abram set out on a strange journey set forth by GOD. He was told to leave his father’s house and the place they lived in, but was not given a destination.

 

Abram was extremely obedient to GOD. He immediately told his family and those who joined them, to leave. Terah must have taught Abram and Lot how to handle their wealth while traveling, so this was second nature for them. He decided to face the greatest opposition to those who talked to the LORD, namely the Canaanites.

 

My Observations:

• Abram must have practiced his faith in GOD from a very young age.
• Abram was immediately faithful to GOD’s command.
• Abram went to the Canaanites, perhaps because of their strength.

 

Abram’s leadership was growing. He learned a lot from Terah, who learned from the Chaldeans. But one thing Abram did that was different than his father was leave because GOD said to do so. His request may have been questioned by everyone, because Haran, named after his deceased brother, was great for raising animals and providing food.

 

But Abram was sent on a mission. He may have listened to GOD tell him to do things in the past and the things he did worked out well. This may not have been the first time he had to do something that was scary and undefined. He had seventy-five years of practice and was ready to do what GOD said. This is the first time the terebinth tree was mentioned. It is a very strong tree.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD mentions Abram’s age to Moses?
• What fear do you have in your life that requires GOD’s intervention?
• Can you take small steps towards faith in GOD no matter how old or young you are?

A Change of Scenery

A Change of Scenery

Genesis 11: ³¹ And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. ³² So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.

 

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Grief stricken; Terah may have felt as if he could no longer stay in the land where his son Haran was born. Perhaps there were too many reminders of how life used to be. Terah seemed to be close to Abram and Lot. Nahor seemed to also be close to Terah. He married his niece Milcah, Haran’s daughter, to possibly bring joy to Terah. Now Terah wanted to take care of Lot.

 

Terah moved with Abram, Sarai and Lot to a new place. This was possibly a new beginning. He named the place after his deceased son, Haran. There, they would start over.

 

My Observations:

• Terah learned a lot from the Chaldeans, but did not follow all of their ways.
• Terah seemed to break traditions by having children at an older age and moving away from the land of his ancestors.
• Terah seemed to have suffered a great loss, so he named the territory after his deceased son.

 

Abram seemed to watch his father go through a serious grieving period. Terah’s wife was never mentioned, so she may have died after delivering Haran. When Haran died, it may have been too much. But he was surrounded by his son Abram, his daughter in-law Sarai, and his grandson Lot.

 

Terah seemed to use his talents herding sheep and cattle. He may have taught this talent to Abram and Lot. He may have wanted to make a place where they could live in peace all of their lives. BUT GOD had a different plan for Abram.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention again who surrounded Terah to Moses?
• Have you ever needed a change of scenery?
• Will you consider listening to the LORD so HE can guide you to where HE needs you today?

Impossible Dreams Fulfilled

Impossible Dreams Fulfilled

Hebrews 11: ¹¹ It was faith that made Abraham able to become a father, even though he was too old and Sarah herself could not have children. He trusted God to keep his promise. ¹² Though Abraham was practically dead, from this one man came as many descendants as there are stars in the sky, as many as the numberless grains of sand on the seashore.

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“I’m never going to get this right?” I said in frustration. I was trying to do long division and it didn’t make sense. But eventually I understood it after being frustrated. “I’m never going to graduate” and “I’m never going to get a job” and “I’m never going to get…” have been words I used in frustration when I could not see how it was going to happen.

 

• I was frustrated because I could not see a solution.
• I was nervous and scared many times because I could not figure out how things would turn out.
• I felt that things should be better and I could not see how it was going to happen.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, gave another faith example. This time he showed how GOD overcomes the impossible. If anyone were to think that a women who, throughout life could not have children, suddenly could become pregnant by her husband who was older than most people, all would say “this is impossible.”

 

My Observations

• GOD chooses the impossible to show me that only HE can solve my situations.
• Some circumstances I get into seem to have no solution, BUT GOD has one already planned.
• Faith that GOD has the situation taken care of comes hard to me, but eventually I have to get there.

 

Believing the impossible can happen is scary. I mean, if I tell people what GOD has in store for me and it does not happen in the time “I” think it should happen, people, including myself, would become discouraged. BUT GOD sees this and laughs at what I think is impossible.

 

GOD seems to love doing the impossible. HE enabled an elderly, barren couple to have a baby when HE could have used a young fertile couple. That would not have been amazing. HE wants me to know that HE is GOD and that HIS solutions cannot come from anywhere but HIM. I gladly yield to HIS great and marvelous power.

 

Challenge

• What impossible dream do you think the writer gave?
• Have you ever felt there was more to life for you, but you gave up on dreams because it has not happened for you yet?
• Will you renew your faith that GOD can and will revive the situation you thought was dead if you place your faith in HIM today?